dpark

I have a GS300 that has travelled 136000Klms without mechanical or electrical incident .

Over the last few days it has momentarily lost all electrical power. The first two times it was very quick, all the intruments, lights, radio etc lost power but the motor kept going presumably because the power cut was very short.

The last occurence seemed to be about two seconds. All power was lost and this time the motor stalled.

I rolled to the side of the road. All power had returned and the car started without difficulty.

I have checked the battery, "jiggled" the cables, fuses, relays etc.

I cannot bring the problem on and each time it happened was in normal cruising driving, gentle acceleration etc.

PLEASE, has anyone experienced this problem or have any ideas?

Ric

Did you every get to the bottom of this issue? Having something similar happen with my GS300. Dealer can't figure out what the issue is after 3 days!

Thanks!

Just had major service done on my '98 GS 300 which has just over 100K miles and has been running great.

Few days ago, as I was waiting at a light, the car did a quick sputter as if it was going to shut off. Panel lights came on briefly but car returned to normal. I got to work and when I opened the car, the dome light was very dim. When I tried to start the car, it wouldn't start. A second later, the dome light returned to normal and the car started fine right away.

Following day, I had just started accelerating from a red light and the car just shut itself off. Both engine and all electrical shut down. Luckily, I was able to cruise to the side of the road and put the car in neutral. A second later, car came back to life on its own and started on the first attempt.

I took it straight to the dealer and they've had it for about 3 days and can't seem to find the problem. On board computer doesn't show anything and all electrical seem to test fine.

About 5 years ago, the car wouldn't start one night. Jump starting didn't help either. Next day, it just started up on the first try. Took it to the dealer and they couldn't find anything wrong then either.

I really like my GS 300 but need to find the reason why the car would all of a sudden shutoff completely. Can anyone help me? It's still at the dealer and I'd like to give them ideas so I can get it addressed so I can keep the car.

Thanks!

DP

OK, I searched and could not find the procedure to replace the fronts. Both rear actuators have been replaced. Can someone post a link to the procedure for the fronts??

Also, is it that common to have ALL actuators die like this????

Thanks in advance.

Josh

I had to have 3 of my actuators die on my 98 GS 300. I can't seem to find the post but a common issue with some of the older Lexus.

Last night my daughter's '90 LS400 stalled out, preceded by usual loss of power symptoms (headlights and dash lights dimming, gauges zeroing out). When she tried to restart it, it seemed that she had a dead battery. I went out this morning prepared to change out the battery and get it moved to the house, and much to my surprise it started right up. I should mention here that the reason I was prepared to switch batteries is that about a month ago I replaced the alternator with a Denso rebuild, and my suspicion was that I perhaps got a lemon. When I got the car home I checked the battery, and the alternator output, and everything seems okay. My daughter is understandably afraid to drive the car until I diagnose and correct whatever caused this malfunction, but I'm at a loss as to how to proceed. I've been driving the car all day hoping that the problem would recur, but it has been starting and driving perfectly.

Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

Hi. Did you ever get this fixed? I'm having very similar problem and the dealer can't figure out what the issue. Thanks in advance.

In case you are interested in the factory look, all you need is part no CWM4931 - LCD DISPLAY ASSY which you can get directly from Pioneer. It's a matter of a few simple screws to replace. Cost is $100.83. I did mine a few months ago. Very easy.

http://parts.pioneerelectronics.com/model....lNum=KEXM8076ZT

This part applies to the standard model with the cassette, not sure if it fits the Nacamichi. If you call Pioneer at 1-800-228-7221 they will be happy to help you. Take the radio out to get the exact model number if you need it. Here's how you get it out.

http://www.carstereohelp.com/stereoremovalLexusGS400str.htm

Note you can't just buy the LCD part no CAW1385 because it is held to the rest of the assembly with a proprietary conductive bonded flex ribbon cable that is not possible to bond back to the assembly after you remove the display. I don't even know why they sell it seperately.

Sidenote: It is actually the connections on this cable that fail, but the good news is the replacement part has been redesigned with a metal clip at the connection point. Surely this will make the display last longer. I must have seen 15 Lexus cars with this problem already.

Hi saw this post from a while back. Is it really easy to change the LCD out? I don't have any special tools and have managed to take the console apart. I would like to repair it on my own if possible. Thank you.

David

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE INFO ON THE REPLACEMENT FOR THE PIONEER LCD. I recently bought a 99 GS300 and have been pretty disappointed about the radio display.

Hi. Just wanted to find out whether you actually went through with replacing the LCD on your GS300. Were you successful? Was it as easy as the person who put up the replacement part post said it was?

Thanks.

David

had same problem...changed lock actuator....250 for part, 70 labor

Toyotas are actually notorious for this problem....weve owned 3 camrys, 1 corolla, lex gs300 and all had bad lock actuators at some time.

Hi. I wrote to you on another topic but can you tell me who your mechanic is that replaced your actuator assembly? I live in NoVA and looking for a non-dealer mechanic to install it. Thanks.

DP

I have taken off the door panel of my JEEP before to fix a similar problem. I am not so sure that I would try it with the Lexus but... If you take off the door panel, it may be just a piece of plastic that has broken off of the lock mechanism. If that's the case I am pretty sure that you can get the part cheaper than $1200. Putting the door back together should not be too difficult I guess. I would try to take it apart 1st before I paid that kind of money. Did they take it apart or are they just giving you a off the top of the head price???

Thanks. I have yet to venture to taking my door apart but may try this weekend. The quote was just over the phone after I explained what my prob was.

The lock actuator assembly iS bad amd must be replaced, very common problem! SEARCH! <_<

Thanks. Didn't know the proper term to search for. For some reason my initial search didn't come up with anything. I found previous posts which were very helpful.

finally changed it...tried to do it myself..to cold outside and sorry, im not that mechanically inclined so i stopped...since i started the job, mechanic charged me $50 to do it....

finally done though...

Hi I'm in NoVA and having the same issue. Who did you take the part to to get it installed? My local Lexus dealer quoted me over $1200 to fix 2 doors which is ridiculous.

Thanks.

David

I have taken off the door panel of my JEEP before to fix a similar problem. I am not so sure that I would try it with the Lexus but... If you take off the door panel, it may be just a piece of plastic that has broken off of the lock mechanism. If that's the case I am pretty sure that you can get the part cheaper than $1200. Putting the door back together should not be too difficult I guess. I would try to take it apart 1st before I paid that kind of money. Did they take it apart or are they just giving you a off the top of the head price???

Thanks. I have yet to venture to taking my door apart but may try this weekend. The quote was just over the phone after I explained what my prob was.

I have a 1998 GS300. Few months ago, my rear passenger side door's power lock would no longer function neither from the lock switch inside nor from the key. The only way I could lock/unlock was manually. Now my front driver side door is also misbehaving. While it'll unlock from the key and the door switch, I have to lock it manually.

Called the local Lexus dealer here and they quoted over $1200 to replace the lock assemblies!!!

My questions:

1. Can anyone help me diagnose this problem?

2. Is this something relatively easy to service myself using common tools? Instructions?

3. Are there any other options for me than going to the dealer especially if I can purchase the part myself?

4. Any recommendations on buying OEM parts for my Lexus?

Thanks in advance for your help.

DP

Anyone out there have a recommendation for spark plug wire for 1998 GS300? I'm hoping there a good option other than paying $200 for a set from Bosch.

Thanks!

If you read all the reviews, can't beat the quiet and performance of Bridgestone Turanza LHS or LVS

I'm an avg to aggressive driver with my 98 GS300. In the next few weeks, I'm due for a brake and plug change. Any recommendations? I'd like to stay stock as possible.

As for brakes, I heard that the EBC greenstuff is only good if you have their rotors. I was looking into the Akebono's but not sure how good they are.

Any recommendations on new plugs?

Thanks.